Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with a blistered golden crust, made effortlessly in the air fryer. A simple seasoning blend and a quick rest create deeply seasoned meat with crisp edges—perfect for weeknights or weekend meals. Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks, skin on
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crisp and the seasoning stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the drumsticks and a splash of olive oil; toss to evenly coat. Let them rest for about 10–15 minutes to let the flavors cling to the skin.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) if your model requires preheating. Line or lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer, skin side down, with at least 1/2 inch of space between them for air circulation. You may need to cook in two batches depending on your fryer size.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks to skin side up and cook for another 8–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crisp. Time can vary by size of drumsticks and your air fryer.
- Remove from the air fryer and let the drumsticks rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the crust set.